Doctors explain their 'superfoods' to boost skin in winter and help with acne

As the winter chill sets in, prioritising a healthy diet is crucial for maintaining clear and radiant skin. The most pressing skin concern during the winter season is dryness and dullness, so aesthetic doctors at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic have revealed an informative guide on what to eat to boost your glow from within. A nourishing, well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and hydration is the secret to combating the harsh effects of winter on your skin.

Oily fish helps boost skin hydration

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like mackerel, tuna and sardines are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can have considerable benefits to our skin. Salmon, especially, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients, including astaxanthin, which helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, contributing to anti-ageing benefits.

Salmon has received the seal of approval from countless celebrities, such as Mariah Carey, Kate Middleton and especially Victoria Beckham, who has previously revealed that eating salmon every single day is the secret to her perfect complexion.

Why you should eat your water, not drink it

Eating water-rich foods is important alongside drinking water because it offers a dual approach to hydration and overall health. While drinking water is essential for staying hydrated, consuming water-rich foods provides additional benefits. Foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, contribute to hydration while also delivering essential nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants. This combination not only supports overall well-being but also helps maintain healthy skin, aids digestion, and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Incorporating fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet enhances the rebalancing of water in your system. These foods contain molecules that help deliver the water they contain into cells easily. Examples of foods high in water content include:

Cucumber: 96% water
Iceberg lettuce: 96% water
Celery: 95% water
Watermelon: 92% water
Broccoli: 92% water
Spinach: 92% water
Apricot: 86% water
Pomegranate: 82% water
Avocado: 82% water

The best foods for ageless skin

The natural ageing process depends on a range of nutrients for support. Certain nutrients can contribute to slowing down signs of ageing, particularly in promoting skin health. Generally, the best foods for ageless skin are healthy fats, healthy sources of protein and antioxidant-rich foods.

Several foods are known for their potential anti-ageing properties due to their rich content of antioxidants, such as dark leafy greens, green tea, lemon, turmeric and dark chocolate. In particular, berries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation that comes with ageing, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

Foods to avoid if you suffer with acne

For those dealing with acne-prone skin, dietary choices can play a significant role in managing breakouts. High-glycaemic foods, such as sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and therefore trigger increased insulin production, potentially leading to more oil production in the skin. Dairy products, known for containing hormones and growth factors, may also contribute to acne development in some people and processed and greasy foods have also been linked anecdotally to acne.

However, while it’s a widespread belief that chocolate and greasy foods directly cause acne, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Modern science suggests that these foods do not directly cause acne but can exacerbate an existing condition, so if you do struggle with acne, it is best to avoid particular foods where possible.

Some examples of what to avoid include:

Dairy products, including all types of cow's milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole milk)
Sugary drinks such as soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice
Fast food, chocolate and sweets
Foods with a high glycaemic index, including white bread and refined grains

Five skin superfoods

Nuts

Nuts can be beneficial for the skin due to their nutrient content, such as almonds, walnuts and pistachios. Almonds are especially loved by multiple celebrities, including Meghan Markle, who has previously named almonds as her go-to snack for flowing skin. Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are high in selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that can help clear skin and decrease acne breakouts.

Green juice

Green juice typically refers to a drink made from blending various green vegetables and fruits. It's often promoted as a nutritious drink due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Common ingredients might include leafy greens like kale, cucumber, celery, apples, and other fruits or vegetables. Actress Reese Witherspoon’s green juice recipe, for example, includes romaine lettuce, spinach, fruits, and coconut water. Green juice has exploded in popularity on TikTok, amassing more than 555 million views for the hashtag #greenjuice.

Ginger

Ginger has great anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is often associated with various skin conditions, such as Eczema and Rosacea, and the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help soothe and calm the skin. Including ginger in your diet can be achieved by adding it to recipes, drinking ginger tea, or adding it to smoothies.

Carrots

Packed with vitamin A, carrots contribute significantly to skin health by aiding in cell turnover and preventing dryness, so it’s perfect timing to incorporate carrots into your diet to help your skin battle the colder winter months. The benefits of carrots have also exploded on TikTok, with the viral ‘raw carrot salad’ trend exploding earlier this year and receiving over 56 million views on the platform for the hashtag #rawcarrotsalad. Videos using the hashtag show how to make it at home, with raw shredded carrots and a few additions like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and sea salt.